Modular display apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a fixturing system for display of commercial merchandise including first and second side supports, first and second back support cross-braces, the cross-braces diagonally interconnecting between the first and second side supports, and first and second caps, the caps having a first substantially planar surface, the planar surface sized to correspond to the spacing between the external portion of the first and second side supports and to extend the depth of the side support, the caps including a lip to engage the first and second side supports.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/742,970, filed Dec. 6, 2005, entitled “Modular Display Apparatus”, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The inventions generally relate to the field of storage and merchandising units. More particularly, the inventions find particular applicability in storage and merchandising units such as for use in “big box” and warehouse stores.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various storage and merchandising systems are known to the art. Of particular interest are merchandising sets which are particularly adapted to hold and display a relatively large number of items, typically where a relatively small number of items are contained within. For example, in a hardware sales context, a merchandising set may be utilized for the sale of various types of handles, and the handles are contained within various bins within the merchandising set. Typically, the bins are provided in a vertical grid system. Optionally, a horizontal label cover is provided for each row.

Often times, the systems provide for complete full metal drawers. The drawers often are of a pull-out type, such as those utilizing ball bearing slides. Optionally, injection molded plastic inserts may be utilized within the drawers. In yet other implantations, adjustable dividers are utilized.

In yet other existing implementations, a full metal drawer may be utilized with a slanted label area. Again, various slide mechanism, partitioning mechanisms and dividers are typically provided.

Heretofore, many of the merchandising set systems would come with side and back enclosures which would substantially enclose the merchandise. While useful for certain applications, especially where environmental issues are important. However, the additional cost and weight of such enclosures may not be necessary or desirable for all applications. Accordingly, it is desired to have an improved merchandising set and system for storage and merchandising of various parts and components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fixturing system for display of commercial merchandise including first and second side supports, first and second back support cross-braces, the cross-braces diagonally interconnecting between the first and second side supports, and first and second caps, the caps having a first substantially planar surface, the planar surface sized to correspond to the spacing between the external portion of the first and second side supports and to extend the depth of the side support, the caps including a lip to engage the first and second side supports.

In the preferred embodiment, the fixturing system includes a plurality of drawers sized to insert between the first and second side supports.

In the preferred embodiment, the fixturing system also includes drawers which are slidable into and out of the fixturing system.

Accordingly, it one object of the invention to provide an improved merchandising set allowing for greater flexibility, reduced cost and reduced weight.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a merchandising system with easily adjustable spacing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the fixturing system of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a front view and FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the drawer rack of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a front view, FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view at cut line A-A and FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the upright frame.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the top cover.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a divider.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a base plate.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a bulk drawer.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a drawer having a slant.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a drawer front.

FIGS. 10A-10G are various perspective, side and cross-sectional views of a slide.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a peg hook system.

FIG. 12 shows perspective and exploded views of the technique for manufacturing the merchandising set.

FIG. 13 is a perspective and exploded view of the peg system merchandising set and the technique for its design and assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the fixturing system of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, side supports 10, 12 form a first and second pair of side supports for a first display portion of the system. A back support, preferably formed of a cross-brace system including first and second cross support braces 14, 16 are provided. The first and second cross-braces 14, 16 serve to fixably arrange the first and second side supports in a generally parallel arrangement. A first and second cap 18, 20 is provided. Preferably, the cap serves to be sized so as to accommodate the width and depth of the merchandising set as defined by the outer boundaries of the first and second side supports 10, 12. The depth is preferably sized to equal that of the depth of the side supports 10, 12. Optionally, the cap includes a lip 22 which will be external to at least the first side support 10.

FIG. 2A shows a front view of the drawer rack system and FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of the system. The numbering convention is the same as for FIG. 1. FIGS. 2A and 2B further include various drawer arrangements. Upper drawers 24 are provided for a slide out attachment to the system (described below, see, e.g., FIG. 10A-G). Optionally, lower drawers 26 may be of a different structure, such as where the front face portion is angled, such as to display a printed description of the goods contained therein in a direction permitting easier viewing by the potential customer.

FIG. 3 shows a detailed drawing of the first, second side support 10, 12. As shown in the side view of FIG. 3A, the side support preferably includes first and second vertical members 32 and top cross member 34. Preferably, the first and second vertical members 32 are provided with a plurality of attachment points 36, shown here to be a generally square hole through the frame. The top member 34 preferably connects the vertical members 32. Optionally, as is shown in cross-section FIG. 3B, the side support 10 may be formed from a c-shaped channel. Preferably, the channel is formed of metal or other sufficiently rigid and durable material such as plastic or the like.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a top cap 20. Preferably, a side lip 42 is provided to cover the system, and to be sized so as to fit external to the first and second vertical portions of the frame 10. Optionally, one or more tongues 44 may be disposed generally at the ends of the cap 20. The tongue 44 is preferably adapted to insert within the top slot 38 (see FIG. 3C). This arrangement further provides for a lateral stabilizing force.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one implementation of a divider. Preferably, the divider 50 includes a front angled portion 52.

FIG. 6 is a perspective drawing of one form of a base plate. The base plate may be sized to have a width equal to the overall width of the unit. Optionally, the depth of the base plate may be either equal to the overall depth of the system, or may be substantially less deep than the overall system.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective drawing of a bulk drawer. The drawer 70 includes a base 72, a back portion 74, sides 76 and a front 78. Optionally, the front may have various forms of handle arrangements, such as the angled lip 80 shown in FIG. 7. Other forms of handles will be apparent to those of skill in the art.

FIG. 8 shows a version of a drawer. The front 82 is angled in a generally upward direction. Such an arrangement is particularly useful for providing a surface to provide printed label materials, and to orient the printed materials in a direction towards the potential customer. Alternate handle structure 84 is shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 shows an alternate arrangement for a drawer front 90. In one embodiment, the drawer front 90 is angled at substantially 90 degrees to horizontal.

FIGS. 10A-G provide an example of the slide system 100. A stationary piece 102 cooperates with slide 104 to provide linear sliding motion for the drawer. Attachment tabs 106 are provided. In one embodiment, the attachment tabs 106 may be oriented in different directions, such as shown in FIG. 10C, namely, where a first tab 106 is oriented in a generally backward direction for insertion into the racking system, and a second tab 106′ is oriented in a generally vertical direction for insertion into the system. Alternately, the tabs 106 may be oriented in a similar direction, such as both being oriented in a generally vertical matter, disposed with the tag 106 directed downward.

FIG. 11A is an exploded view an FIG. 11B a perspective view of a peg hook and backboard utilizable consistent with the present inventions. A multi-peg system 110 permits for parallel attachment of goods adapted through their packaging to hang on pegs. One or more pegs may be utilized in this arrangement. In the preferred embodiment, the system is further provided with a display portion 112 onto which a printed tag may be affixed to identify the corresponding goods and associated commercial information, such as price, size, SKU and the like.

FIGS. 12 and 13 shows a perspective view and an exploded view of the technique utilizable for the merchandising set. The base is first provided, typically adjacent the ground. The side portions may then be affixed and attached by the cross braces. Finally, the top cap may be affixed. Alternately, the top cap may be attached prior to the connection of the cross braces.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings of this invention that certain changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims. 

1. A fixturing system for display of commercial merchandise comprising: first and second side supports, first and second back support cross-braces, the cross-braces diagonally interconnecting between the first and second side supports, and first and second caps, the caps having a first substantially planar surface, the planar surface sized to correspond to the spacing between the external portion of the first and second side supports and to extend the depth of the side support, the caps including a lip to engage the first and second side supports.
 2. The fixturing system of claim 1 further including a plurality of drawers sized to insert between the first and second side supports.
 3. The fixturing system of claim 2 wherein the drawers are slidable into and out of the fixturing system.
 4. The fixturing system of claim 1 wherein the side supports are formed of c-shape stock.
 5. The fixturing system of claim 1 wherein the drawers further include spacers.
 6. The fixturing system of claim 2 wherein the drawers have a front surface for labeling.
 7. The fixturing system of claim 6 wherein the front surface is angled.
 8. The fixturing system of claim 7 wherein the front surface is adapted to receive a label containing product information.
 9. The fixturing system of claim 1 further including a plurality of peg hooks sized to insert between the first and second side support.
 10. The fixturing system of claim 1 wherein the cap includes a lip, and the side support includes a slot, the lip of the cap being adapted for insertion into the slot of the side support. 